Security Alert at Sabarimala: Authorities Tighten Checks to Detect Pilgrims Using Fake Documents
Sabarimala security tightened: Authorities intensify checks to detect fake documents during the pilgrimage season. Pilgrims urged to carry valid IDs for smooth entry.
Security personnel conduct strict document verification as devotees arrive at Sabarimala during the annual pilgrimage season.
In a heightened-security initiative, authorities at Sabarimala have enhanced their ID-verification protocol to detect unscrupulous individuals trying to sneak in through fraudulent means. With the annual pilgrimage into full swing and lakhs of devotees pouring in daily, officials have been asked to exhibit heightened security checks to assert their complete safety and bona fides.
Numerous checkpoints are being manned by police officers in Nilakkal, Pampa, and Sannidhanam. However, pilgrims are being put through two filters: apart from showing ID proof, they have to also show the details of their virtual queue booking. Should anything be fishy on paper, more drill-down checks would follow upon further scrutiny.
Screens being used on-duty agents have all been enjoined to high-tech scanning equipment and cross-verification systems for hastened spotting of any fake papers. All such cases are being tagged with label to await further inquiry. The deployment of cyber cell task forces has been made and has been set up to keep a watch on the digital authentication process.
For those devotees using untruthful ID proofs or fake passes they will face severe legal consequences. That is why authorities have advised the pilgrim devotees to carry their original ID and not deal with the agents.
With estimated record pilgrims visiting the hill shrine, officials highlighted the earmarked security measures behind the chaos to maintain order, ensure safety, and protect the holiness of the temple.
